FLEMING ISLAND - Fleming Island will be the spot for a look at some of the best high school and open powerlifters in Florida as the first project for new gym owners Michelle and Keith Carlascio and Jalese Callaway who will look to showcase their passions for powerlifting with Florida's best.

"We partnered up to purchase the Steel Mill Crossfit & Gym from longtime owner William Davis and we now have the Steel Mill Total Wellness Center in Fleming Island," said Callaway, a long-time cross fit athlete who is currently training for a shot at a Dexter Jackson Classic bodybuilding title in July. "All three of us have been here as lifters and fitness people and William Davis did a great job for 12 years. Now, it's our turn."

The Carlascios have a history of international powerlifting experience with both competing in USA world events in the last decade or so. Now, the trio of gym owners will host the 8th Annual Southern States Open Powerlifting Championships and also the Florida High School Powerlifting Championships.

"This is the first state high school powerlifting championship meet in Fleming Island and Jacksonville with Powerlifting America out of Orlando staging the event here," said Carlascio, herself a top master's powerlifter in the USA. "Powerlifting is Dead Lift, Squat and Bench Press.

Carlascio noted the state high school championship meet will be the morning of the Saturday, May 2, competition day with an Open division for all age groups in the afternoon.

Carlascio acknowledged that the timing of the event is the same as the boys state weightlifting schedule of regions and state meets but hopes some of the state ranked girls high school weightlifters might compete. There are nine weight classes scheduled for the event with medals to top five finishers.

"Everything fell into place for the May 2 date which I know the boys weightlifting is in the championship end of their season," said Carlascio, who got into the competition end of powerlifting through Davis and the Steel Mill gym. "Right now, we have 15 high school kids signed up but expect more in the next two weeks as word gets out. Weightlifting in this area is so big."

Carlascio noted Steel Mill is a 24/7 access gym with a key card that has weights, ropes, a sauna, a cold plunge tub and a plethora of devices and platforms for weightlifting workouts.

"Powerlifting has grown into a big workout outlet for moms and dads, and even firefighters come here," Carlascio said. "It's an amazing thing to watch a mom who has never lifted a weight come in, train a little, then transform to a competition athlete. It's very uplifting for me to see and for them to experience."

To register, got to Powerlifting America, go to calendar and find 8th Annual Southern States Open Championships. (powerlifting-america.com/event/8th-annual-powerlifting-america-southern-states-open-championships/)